NASHIK: From Meher Signal to Mahabal Chowk, which is known as well built road in the central part of the city. The road is well intact from last 25 years. But now it is been alleged that there is conspiracy going on to dig out this well built road under Nashik Smart City project. As a result people’s representatives and professionals have started complaining and opposing about the same.
Initially, due to the delay in the construction of the road from Trimbak Naka to Ashok Stambh, citizens as well as businessmen have expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing Smart City works. By spending Rs. 17 crore for a distance of only one kilometer, the road was not improved for the citizens. On the contrary, the citizens had to suffer great annoyance during the construction as most of the roads connecting were closed. It took a year and a half to build the road from Trimbak Naka to Ashok Stambh, also known as Smart Road, and the work is underway at Dahipul on Mahatma Gandhi Marg on the busy Main Road.
This work has also annoyed businessmen and citizens due to delays. Meanwhile, roads from Meher Signal to Mahabal Chowk, Raviwar Peth to Ambedkar Statue, Ambedkar Statue to Gadge Maharaj Statue will also be excavated. The citizens have raised questions that, Is it necessary to do this work in this pandemic situation and in monsoon?
Now that the lockdown is a little relaxed (Nashik Unlock) and the business is coming to its former position, who will be better off digging this road which is the focal point of business? If this is not going to benefit the citizens as well as the business community, then why the administration making such fuss? Such a question are now being raised.
Excavation of these roads, which are currently in good condition, could lead to congestion on alternative roads. There is also the possibility of an strong protest from businessmen and people’s representatives. The citizens have already worn of agitation through placards. If these works are not stopped, there will be an outbreak of citizens and professionals. I have written to the Collector and Municipal Commissioner in this regard and asked them to stop this work. – Shahu Khaire, Congress group leader, Nashik Municipal Corporation
This issue has been discussed with Municipal Commissioner Kailas Jadhav. The footpath from Meher Signal to Mahabal Chowk will be excavated for some time to carry out works under Smart City. Electricity cables will be laid through it. It will also be undone after that. All this work will take about two months. – Sumant More, Chief Executive Officer, Smart City, Nashik